PRP is a highly concentrated solution of plasma, the liquid component of blood, and platelets. While platelets are best known for clotting blood, they also contain an abundance of specialised proteins known as Growth Factors (including PDGF, TGF-β, and VEGF).
To create Platelet-Rich Plasma, a sample of your blood is processed to achieve a concentration of platelets up to 5 to 10 times greater than what is typically found in circulating blood. This concentrated solution is a powerful biological agent used to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including chronic tendon injuries and early-stage osteoarthritis.
Key Features of PRP:
The mechanism of PRP works by mimicking the body's natural response to acute injury, but in a highly focused and amplified manner.
Once the concentrated PRP is injected into the affected area (such as a damaged tendon or arthritic joint), the platelets become activated and degranulate. This process releases a powerful cocktail of growth factors and signalling proteins (cytokines).
These factors perform several critical functions:
The procedure is minimally invasive, performed in our clinic, and typically takes less than an hour from start to finish.
A small sample of blood (similar to a standard blood test, usually one to a few vials) is drawn from a vein in your arm.
Your blood sample is immediately placed into a specialised centrifuge machine. This device spins the blood at high speeds to separate the components based on density. The red and white blood cells settle to the bottom, leaving the concentrated, yellowish Platelet-Rich Plasma layer, which is then carefully extracted.
The PRP solution is precisely injected directly into the site of injury or degeneration (e.g., the tendon, ligament, or joint space).
We utilise Ultrasound guidance during the injection to ensure pinpoint accuracy, delivering the high concentration of growth factors exactly where they are needed to maximise therapeutic effect.
| BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate) | PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) |
Lipogems (Micro-Fragmented Fat) |
Arthrosamid (Long-Acting Hydrogel) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
What is it |
An advanced therapy using your own bone marrow, rich in "master" stem cells. |
A straightforward injection using concentrated healing factors (platelets) from your own blood. |
A method that uses a small amount of your own fat tissue, which contains important repair cells. | A synthetic, non-degradable polyacrylamide gel designed to stay in the joint. |
| How it works | Cellular Regeneration: The concentrated stem cells can turn into new cartilage or bone cells to rebuild damaged tissue. | Tissue Stimulation: The high concentration of platelets releases growth factors to aggressively trigger and speed up the body's natural repair process. | Biological Support: The fat tissue provides a supportive cushion and releases growth factors and cells that help fight inflammation. | Joint Volume: It mimics the viscosity of natural fluid, providing both shock-absorbing cushioning and smooth joint gliding. |
| Best for | Moderate to severe Osteoarthritis (OA). Structural bone issues like Avascular Necrosis (AVN) or non-healing fractures. | Mild to moderate OA. Chronic tendon or ligament injuries (e.g., Tennis Elbow, Achilles Tendinopathy). | Osteoarthritis in joints like the knee and ankle. Soft tissue damage where a structural cushion is beneficial. | Symptomatic knee Osteoarthritis (OA) where long-term symptomatic relief is the goal. |
| Longevity | Results can be sustained for a long time, with symptomatic relief reported up to four years. | Typically provides pain relief for 6 to 12 months. Effects can last 1–2 years for milder conditions. | Clinical improvements are generally sustained for up to 2 years, with best function reported around 9–12 months. | Proven to remain safe and effective, with pain reduction maintained up to five years after a single injection. |
| UK starting price | From £3,900 (single joint) | From £750 (single joint) | From £3,900 (single joint) | From £3,900 (single joint) |
PRP is used to treat chronic, non-healing orthopedic conditions, particularly:
Recovery is generally quick, but healing takes time:
This varies based on the condition being treated and its severity. While some patients respond well to a single injection, a course of 2 or 3 injections, typically spaced a few weeks apart, may be recommended for optimal long-term benefit.
From £750 (single joint), but pricing depends on the type of PRP used (standard vs. advanced Interosseous PRP) and the joint being treated. Please contact our dedicated administration team to discuss pricing for your specific treatment plan.
